3 hospitalized after state government offices receive suspicious packages in Oregon

The FBI is assisting the Oregon State Police in a statewide investigation into suspicious mail received at multiple government offices. Three people have been hospitalized and some of the packages contained an “unknown substance,” according to police.

The conditions of those hospitalized are unclear.

Authorities announcing the investigation on Monday said packages had been received at government offices, sheriff’s offices and courthouses, local media reported.

An Oregon State Police (OSP) dispatcher said there was a white powder incident at the jail and sheriff’s office in Grant County, Oregon. An envelope addressed to and opened by Sheriff Glenn Palmer caused him to break out in a skin rash and he was rushed to an emergency room for observation. Two other people were also taken to hospitals. Hazardous materials teams and investigators responded to the incident.

“The FBI is working with Oregon State Police, the US Postal Inspection Service, and all of the affected government agencies related to the reports of suspicious mail,” said the Bureau in a statement.

“At this point it is too early to say where this investigation may lead or to release any details about the letters or locations. We do not anticipate issuing any updates this evening, but if the situation warrants, media will be contacted.”